In the wake of Securing New Ground event in New York City in 2016, the Security Industry Association (SIA) published an inaugural “Security Megatrends” report that assessed for major “megatrends” for the security industry in 2017.
10 major megatrends
Only days ago, SIA published “Security Megatrends: The 2018 Vision for the Security Industry,” again identifying 10 major megatrends to watch in the year ahead. SIA saw a great deal of activity unfold in 2017, as it predicted, and tweaked several of the major megatrends for the year ahead while also identifying fresh concerns for the industry to watch.
For example, for 2017, SIA predicted the Internet of Things (IoT) would forge new integrations between a vast, ever-growing array of systems, sensors, devices and services. Physical security, once a separate process made up of a distinct continuum of items, grew more networked with other services and things across IoT connections. As we continue into 2018, SIA foresees consumer applications leading the networking of connected devices, deepening home security connections into IoT.
Cross-industry devices take the lead
While enterprise investments have lagged in previous years, businesses will ramp up their use of connected solutions in the years ahead. Specific industry verticals, such as process sensors for electricity plants or real-time location devices in healthcare, will continue to drive enterprise investment in IoT.Going into 2018, cross-industry devices like those used in smart buildings, such as physical security systems, will take the lead
Going into 2018, cross-industry devices like those used in smart buildings, such as physical security systems, will take the lead. Gartner Inc. expects cross-industry devices to reach 4.4 billion units by 2020 with vertical industry-specific devices at 3.2 billion in use.
Transformation of the Channel
Hand in hand with IoT developments, we see the emergence of a new megatrend in 2018 with the Transformation of the Channel. Consumers will demand flexibility, and companies will deliver. Month-to-month contracts from professional providers along with no contract monitoring will challenge fixed models of two- or three-year contracts.
Traditional security providers will focus more on deepening the customer experience and enhancing convenience and service. The rise of IoT also places an emphasis on cybersecurity, and security dealers will react by seeking manufacturers and technology partners with cyber-hardened network-connected devices.
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